A 21-YEAR-OLD man has died after the driver of a stolen high-powered car lost control and crashed.

Kieron Edwards, from Radcliffe, was a front seat passenger in the silver Mazda Xedos 6 which struck a parked car and van.

The 20-year-old driver, who has not been named, escaped serious injury. He has been arrested on suspicion of theft and was due to be questioned by detectives later today.

The stolen car was heading along Stopes Road, towards Radcliffe, at about 11.15pm when it crossed on to the opposite carriageway near to the junction of Bolton Road.

The car collided with a stationary Vauxhall Cavalier and a Ford Transit van. Both men were trapped and firefighters had to cut off both sides of the mangled car to free them.

A third passenger managed to free himself from the wreckage and was unhurt. The man was arrested near to the scene for a public order offence and is due to be interviewed later today.

Police were called by a nearby resident who phoned for an ambulance. Officers sealed off the road while the emergency services dealt with the injured men.

They were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where Mr Edwards later died. The driver was treated and later discharged.

An investigation was launched into the accident. Police are still trying to establish where the Mazda was stolen from. Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to call Bury traffic unit on 0161 856 8072.

Witness Ken Naron, who owns a newsagent's at the junction of Stopes Road and Bolton Road, said: "The silver car must have spun round when it hit the van.

"When the firemen arrived they began cutting open the car, they were working at it for more than an hour. The two men inside were taken away in ambulances."

Father of two Chris Williams, aged 42, of Bolton Road, ran out of his house and tried to help Kieron and the driver. The former landlord, who is a trained first aider, said: "The engine of the car was still running when I got there. Lots of people had come out of their homes. Somebody popped the bonnet and turned off the engine. We were worried that it might set on fire.

"Kieron was slumped over the driver and the driver could not get out. They were both conscious when I got there. A lady held Kieron's hand until the ambulance arrived.

"The driver must have been going at some speed. The car had spun round 180. It ended up across the road near the Cavalier. My daughter said she saw another car. There was another young lad there who seemed to know Kieron."

They both looked to be in a serious condition. I told the police this morning that I had seen another car as well. It stopped and then drove away. do not know if it was involved in the accident.

Lots of people ran out to see if they could help. I called the police and the fire brigade.